Black Hairstyles are a rage among youngsters wishing to look like the many pop and fashion Afro- American icons domination the industry in contemporary times. These hairstyles are not only super cool but also signify a cross cultural exchange. They are sported by individuals of various ethic races and are considered to be extremely hip. You must have seen various Afro-American celebrities sporting both straight as well as curly dos and awed at that oomph.

Nowadays, black hairstyles can be sported by everyone. Thanks to the various styling techniques and devices that have been launched in the market such as straightness, curling rods, crimping irons, rollers etc. Traditional Afro-American hairstyles such as braids, cornrows, hair weaves, extensions, dreadlocks, Afro Puffs and Zulu knots are the hot favorites. If you aren’t lucky enough to have been blessed with Afro-American hair, you can always sport a gorgeous style by consulting a good hair care professional. There are hundreds of Black hairstyles that can be sported with finesse and help enhance your features.

Types of Black Hairstyles:

Afros hairstyles: This hairstyle is created with natural African hair and can also be made for those who have natural tight curls. Here the hair is styled in such a manner that it juts out from the scalp. Usually, the style is created all over the head and the shape can vary depending upon the individual’s preference. This type of hair became immensely popular in the 1960s-70s eras.

Afro Puffs: This style is similar to the Afro style and can be created with natural hair with the help of an elastic holder. The hair is made to puff outside the holder and is one of the best ways to highlight the beauty of natural hair. This hairstyle looks great on kids who require a neat as well as trendy look.

Bantu/ Zulu Knots: This style requires parting the hair in several sections and then twisting it into tight, firm knots. The size of the sections is entirely dependant upon the length of the hair. You can also design the sections in round, square, rounded or triangular shapes. The hair in a particular section s taken and twisted to form a coil and the end is secured with an invisible rubber band.

Braids: This is one of the most popular Black hairstyle and looks good on almost everyone. They require taking several strands of hair and braiding them into rope-like formations. You can start with three stranded braids that are considered to be the simplest and move on to five stranded braids, twelve stranded braids and so on. Braids can be created close to the scalp or allowed to hand freely. Braids can be made by taking sections of hair and made close to the scalp as in Bantu knots.

Cornrows: This is a traditional African style of grooming the tresses which is characterized by tight braids done very close to the scalp using an underhand upward motion. Cornrows can be created in straight rows or in various geometrical designs. They are easy to maintain and can be left for several weeks. You can also wash your hair with the cornrows on by using a hair net. You can even decorate the cornrows with vibrant beads, threads and cowry shells. This hairdo can be sported by both men and women and can be created on natural Afro hair as well as other hair types.

Dreadlocks: This is a popular back hairstyle also known as locks or dreads. It comprises of interlocked coils of hair which form on their own in all types of hair. For getting fine dreadlocks, the hair is left to grow without combing or brushing it to get rid of any tangles. It is essential for you to take good care of your tresses if you are looking to sport this particular hairdo, particularly while washing and re-knotting.

Tips for maintaining Black Hairstyles:

Most African American hairstyles require a great deal of care and effort to maintain.

Always use a good quality conditioner to retain the moisture balance and nourish your hair. If you have a tendency to develop frizz, use more of the conditioner towards the ends of the hair shaft.

It is best to wash your tresses carefully if you are wearing extensions, dreadlocks and cornrows. You can use a hair net while washing your tresses.

Avoid exposing your hair to too many chemicals as this may result in permanent damage.

Avoid using too many hot irons and rollers in order to prevent the hair from drying out.